If you don't like New England weather ... just wait

Thursday

Apr 29, 2010 at 3:15 AM

By HARRISON HAAS

As early as Tuesday evening, residents around New Hampshire were experiencing déjà vu of winter with the arrival of snow.

Those living in the higher elevations of the Lakes Region might be pushing small amounts of snow off their vehicles this morning as a wet, cold front comes into the area, but just a few days away it will feel like summer is in full swing.

Only a dusting came through the Lakes Region Tuesday evening into Wednesday, with meteorologists expecting a small amount of snow early this morning with temperatures staying in the lower 30s.

Areas in the North Country experienced a significant amount of snow, with towns above Lincoln and through Franconia Notch having over a foot of snow accumulation. Some towns such as Bethlehem received up to 13 inches of snow.

Local meteorologist Russ Hobby said he did not expect much snow locally.

"We have snow flurries off and on all morning," Hobby said. "I doubt we'll see any accumulation, but it all depends on the amount of cold air we receive."

Driving to Alton Tuesday on Route 11A, Hobby saw a many vehicles covered with snow. He said the one good thing about the snow falling now is that it won't accumulate on the roads because the pavement surface is significantly warmer than when snow falls in the winter time.

"We're likely to just notice the snow on some of the grassy surfaces around town," Hobby said. "It shouldn't affect the road conditions all that much."

From a historic standpoint, April in the Lakes Region has kept meteorologists guessing each year with respect to the type and amount of precipitation as well as the temperature.

Record snowfall for April was recorded in 1982 when 26.2 inches of snow fell and in 1996 a record rainfall was 8.9 inches. Milestone temperatures for the month include a record high in 1962 when the mercury rose to 91 degrees and record low in 1982 with a low of 10 degrees.

"Earlier this month we had a high temperature of 86 degrees and a low of 29," Hobby said. "April is an up and down month for us."

Precipitation wise, the area has received just over two inches of rain and around an eighth of an inch of snow.

Later today, temperatures are expected to climb to the 50s, accompanied by 20-mile-per-hour winds. Hobby said temperatures are expected to increase throughout the rest of the week, with temperatures peeking near 80 on Saturday.

"This weekend looks nice with each day getting warmer this week," Hobby said.

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